Congratulations to crew of Cork based L.É. Eithne

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD, Jerry Buttimer, has congratulated the crew of the L.É. Eithne on their return home from deployment assisting in the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.

“I want to congratulate and welcome home the crew of the L.É. Eithne after the successful completion of two months saving thousands of lives in the Mediterranean. It is distressing to see images of the crisis as people flee war torn countries making high risk attempts to get to Europe. But the work of the crew of the L.É. Eithne has been a source of pride for our nation in their dedication to assisting in this humanitarian crisis.

“The crew participated in 22 operations over the two month period they were deployed in the Mediterranean. During that period they rescued 3,376 people. This alone shows the value of the excellent work that they performed. During this time they have demonstrated the professionalism of our Navy and the important role that it plays both at home and when deployed abroad.

“Commander Pearse O’Donnell and his crew have done our country a great service on the international stage. Now I hope that all of those who have served our country so well over the last two months will now get to spend some valuable time on home soil with family and friends.”

The L.É. Eithne is – like all Naval ships in Ireland – based at Haulbowline Naval Base, near Ringaskiddy, Co Cork